Follow the Korean food trail in Mumbai

And you just might find an explanation for Kim Jong-un's ample waistline

Korean food is not so much underrated as not rated at all. Kimchi is the only dish that has caused even a slight blip. Surprising, since it’s some of the tastiest, most experimental fare around. From the fresh and healthy to the greasy, salty and incredibly moreish. And when it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like bibimbap. Say it aloud. Bi-bim-bap. It even sounds satisfying.

While Delhi has a few seamy, underground haunts serving bulgogi with a buzzy vibe and a dose of expats, Mumbai has remained seemingly impervious. And now, suddenly, the city has its first Korean speciality restaurant. Heng Bok, a two-level fuss-free joint from the owners of Kofuku features unremarkable décor and a private dining area with traditional low seating. But the restaurant’s main selling point is that it offers a possible explanation for Kim Jong-un’s ample waist.

Inspired, we went in search of the best of this cuisine, to find that several eateries in Mumbai – from the divey to the fine dine – have been quietly serving up respectable Korean dishes.

Heng Bok

Jokbal (Pork trotters)

The two-week-old Heng Bok is a second degree kitsch expereince. Apart from a few oriental knick-knacks and the free banchan (six condiments inlcuding kimchi and grilled mackerel) placed on your table, there’s nothing here that screams Korea – until the food arrives. For most people, eating pigs’ feet is more of a dare than an actual meal. Not here. The trotters are boiled for hours with leeks, garlic, soy sauce and ginger, then sliced and stuffed into lettuce leaves for delicious individual bites.

11/1, Kalpak Corner, Turner road, Bandra West; 022-2651 0077

Trikaya

Korean barbecue

At this cavernous space – a gigantic banyan tree rising from the centre of the room forms its primary décor – a portable gas stove and gas cylinder is brought to your table. In a Korean barbecue, it’s considered important to have at least five different coloured toppings on the rice, for nutrition and aesthetics. Typical toppings are shiitake mushrooms, shredded cucumber, julienned carrots, spring onion, bean sprouts, dried seaweed and daikon radish. There are also five different types of meat to chose from. All this is then grilled on your table with a head-turning sizzle, then assembled and served with rice paper.

BusaGo

Beef bulgogi

Perhaps the best known Korean item in India, beef strips are marinated in a sweet and salty mix and then caremalized by grilling. Served doused with a thick, shiny, deep red chilli paste to add perkiness.

Multiple venues across the city

India Jones

Korean set meal

At this old favourite, available along with dimsum and Teppenyaki set menus is the lesser known Korean set meal. Four main courses (featuring four different meats) are served along with sticky rice and tofu broth.

Busaba

The traditional go-to meal for Korean families, a pot of sticky rice is served with vegetables, beef or chicken, doused with sesame oil and a fried egg on top for sunshine.

4, Mandlik road, Colaba; 022-2204 3769

Kofuku

Dak golbi

This popular eatery with an underground vibe serves up good-natured, boozy Japanese fare and a splendid Korean dak golbi. Chicken pieces are marinated in gochujang (fermented red chilli sauce) and stir-fried with vegetables. Not for conservative tastebuds.

Umame

Not the most traditional, but delicious nonethless. At this trendy celeb-magnet, you can enjoy sushi rolls stuffed with sesame rice and layered with fiery kimchi.

First floor, Cambata building, Churchgate; 022-6635 6908

Pan Asian, ITC Maratha

Red snapper

Sitting at a barbecue table with a grill in the centre and lined with condiments – eating here is an exercise in anticipation. And the food doesn’t disappoint. The highlight of the Korean menu is the tangy red snapper marinated with crushed black pepper and ginger juice, and served piping hot so that it continues to cook and crackle invitingly.

Sahar Road, Andheri East; 022-2830 3030

1/4

Head to Busaba for bibimbap, traditional Korean comfort food.

Busago does a mean beef bulgogi.

The highlight of the Korean menu at Pan Asian, ITC Maratha is the tangy red snapper.

Sample a Korean barbecue at Trikaya where your meal's grilled right at your table.